Explanation

• The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.
• After the withdrawal of foreign forces.
• Some countries like Pakistan and China maintain diplomatic relations only.

Last updated by NA on 22-April-2026

Explanation

Mariupol was besieged from Feb 24 to May 20, 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine war, facing nonstop bombardment and eventual Russian capture.

The siege caused mass destruction (90% buildings destroyed) and heavy civilian losses, making it one of the war's worst humanitarian crises.

Explanation

Turkey has played a mediator role during tensions between Russia and the USA, especially during the Ukraine conflict.

It hosted talks and negotiations on security and humanitarian issues.

Explanation

Bhutan absorbs more CO₂ than it emits, making it the world's only carbon-negative country.

It maintains vast forest cover.

It uses hydropower for clean energy.

Explanation

A high-level meeting between the US and Russia took place in Saudi Arabia, specifically in Riyadh.

This meeting, which included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focused on potential paths to end the war in Ukraine.

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Explanation

Key Facts:

• New Zealand granted legal personhood to the Whanganui River in 2017.
• Ecuador recognized rights of nature in its 2008 constitution.
• Costa Rica and Canada have strong environmental laws but did not pioneer this concept.

Explanation

In 2025, African leaders from South Africa, Senegal, and Egypt launched a peace mission.

They visited Ukraine and Russia to mediate the conflict.

Presented a 10-point peace proposal urging negotiations, de-escalation, and respect for sovereignty.

Met President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and President Putin in St. Petersburg.

Marked Africa’s first intercontinental peace initiative.

Explanation

In 2024, no presidential election in Bangladesh, Russia, or India triggered mass protests over alleged rigging.

Major election-related protests occurred in Pakistan, but that was a general (parliamentary) election, not a presidential one.

Explanation

The FIFA World Cup 2022 was held in Qatar.

Argentina won the tournament, defeating France in the final.

The short list of FIFA World Cup hosts:

2010: South Africa

2014: Brazil

2018: Russia

2022: Qatar

2026: Canada, Mexico, and the United States

2030: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco; Anniversary match hosts: Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay

2034: Saudi Arabia (Asia)